The new bridge on Alabama Highway 9 over Terrapin Creek is essentially complete and has traffic on it now.

Seth Burkett, who is the North Region Public Information Officer for the Alabama Department of Transportation told WEIS Radio on Monday that the project is probably about one month from completion. Demolition of the old bridge, built in 1949, is ongoing and nearing completion. They also have a small amount of paving left to do.  The contractor is Wright Brothers Construction, and the contract amount is $7,264,066.

Burkett also said that ALDOT is constructing a temporary traffic diversion on Alabama Highway 68 going up the mountain from Leesburg to Sand Rock. After that is completed, traffic will be shifted to the diversion, allowing for demolition of the old bridge.

A 10×10 box culvert has been installed to replace the old bridge. The old bridge was built in 1941 over what was formerly the Tennessee, Alabama and Georgia (TAG) Railroad. Once the old bridge is removed, the area will be back filled and the roadway will be repaved. No additional lanes are going to be added. The contractor is Ikaros, LLC, and the contract amount is $3,033,000.

Burkett said that as soon as they know the date traffic will be diverted, they will provide us with that information.